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  • It’s the last episode in the current season of ‘Man in the Mirror’ and this one is just me for a change! I wanted to highlight the Barnes Fragrance Fair that is taking place this Saturday 17th May 2025 in Barnes, West London. I’ll be hosting 2 talks during the fair, the first at 9.30a.m. is called ‘Scents & Songs’ and I’ll be hosting alongside Olympic Studios archivist Roger Miles. We’ll be delving into the rich legacy of the world famous Olympic Studios in Barnes and I’ll be matching a fragrance to 6 iconic songs that were recorded there. Think of it as ‘musical sniff-along’ and there will be plenty of chance for interaction and questions. The auditorium is within the Olympic Studios complex, which is now an independent cinema. Ticket info below.


    Then at 2pm I’ll be hosting a panel talk called ‘Men Smell’ featuring 4 guests (including 2 former guests from the podcast!) I’ll be joined by journalist Adam Hurly, retail buyer Vesa Kalho, content creator TJ Talks Scents and writer and YouTube creator Persolaise. It promises to be a lively and interactive conversation, I do hope you can join us! There are also loads of other workshops and talks from other leading fragrance writers, presenters and podcast hosts. It’s free to attend the main fair - the talks and workshops are ticketed and the tickets can be bought via the link below. 


    Ticket details are here:

    https://www.barnesfragrancefair.com/talks-2025


    I also mentioned the following products that I’ve been loving recently:

    Jo Malone London - Black Cedarwood & Juniper Shaving Cream and Aftershave Moisturiser

    https://www.jomalone.co.uk/gents/grooming

    Jo Malone London - Care Collection - (Exclusive to Selfridges)

    https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/jo-malone-london/collection-care2dcollection/

    Acqua di Parma - Buongiorno Eau de Parfum

    https://www.johnlewis.com/acqua-di-parma-buongiorno-eau-de-parfum/p113439344

    Aesop - Eleos Body Cleanser

    https://www.aesop.com/uk/p/body-hand/body-cleansers-and-scrubs/eleos-nourishing-body-cleanser/

    Kiehls - Routine

    https://www.kiehls.co.uk/mens

    Adam Reed Arkive - Shampoo and Conditioner

    https://arkiveheadcare.com/collections/cleanse-treat

    Veronique Gabai - Eau D’Azur (EDP) 

    https://veroniquegabai.com/collections/eau-dazur


    See you in the summer for season 10. Thanks for all your support and thanks for listening!

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    You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror


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    https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/

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  • When I heard about a collaboration between British menswear specialist MOSS (formerly Moss Bros) and Happy Paul, a mood-lifting skincare and fragrance brand, I thought it would be the perfect thing to discuss on Man in the Mirror.


    I was invited to record this episode at the MOSS HQ in Camden where I met Robbi Hicks, the MOSS Head of Visual Development and Paul Gerrard, Founder of Happy Paul. You’ll probably know MOSS for occasion wear and suits, but if you haven’t visited a store recently you may not be as aware of the excellent range of casualwear, linens, shirts as well as contemporary tailoring. Recently the brand added Happy Paul’s mood-boosting skincare and fragrance products into 10 MOSS shops, to try to help men feel their best and to open up discussions around self-care and mental wellness.


    During the conversation Paul talked about Happy Paul supporting the Young Minds charity. More info and ways to donate can be found here. 

    https://www.youngminds.org.uk/


    (MOSS kindly gifted items for us to wear for the podcast and for the pictures. I’m in a two-piece dark grey linen suit, available in store and online now.)


    Robbi & Paul mentioned the following products during our conversation:


    (Robbi)

    Le Labo - Another 13

    https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/p/le-labo-another-13-eau-de-parfum-rm-50ml/13319645/

    Comme des Garçons - Wonderwood

    https://comme-des-garcons-parfum.com/products/wonderwood

    Byredo - Body Wash 

    https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/brands/b/byredo/body/


    (Paul)

    Jack Black - Energising Face Scrub

    https://www.maleskin.co.uk/jack-black-face-buff-energising-scrub.html

    Creed - Aventus 

    https://www.creedfragrances.co.uk/products/aventus?variant=46601626845494

    Happy Paul - Bright Spice Fragrance 

    https://www.moss.co.uk/bright-spice-edp-50ml-bell-967011700


    MOSS on IG:

    https://www.instagram.com/mossbros/

    Online at: 

    https://www.moss.co.uk/


    Happy Paul on IG:

    https://www.instagram.com/we_are_happypaul/

    Online at: https://happypaul.co.uk/

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    You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror

    Follow me on IG:

    https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/

    TikTok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit

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  • Over the last few months I’ve seen posts from ‘Teddy the Perfumer’ crop up on my socials and have really enjoyed his videos and his take on the fragrance industry, so I got in touch and he kindly agreed to come on the show. Teddy Haugen is (unsurprisingly!) a perfumer and is the co-founder of the eponymous independent brand based just outside San Francisco. He’s unusual in that he’s compelling and instinctive on social media - Teddy doesn’t just plug his own creations, he lifts the curtain on his creative process, demystifies the industry and is not afraid to be controversial. Clearly a perfume lover and collector, Teddy’s social posts are just as likely to be his hot take on other brands - or even style and grooming tips. Basically he’s the perfect guest for the podcast!


    There are currently 3 fragrances in the Teddy the Perfumer line-up, Banane Au Chocolat, Passing Stranger and Summer in Love, with more in development. It was great to talk to Teddy and he was every bit as engaging and open as I’d hoped he would be. https://www.teddytheperfumer.com/


    Teddy mentioned the following products during our conversation:


    Dae - Prickly Pear Hair Oil

    https://daehair.com/products/prickly-pear-hair-oil?_pos=2&_sid=2a5cd288b&_ss=r

    Gummy Professional - Wax Extreme 

    https://gummyprofessional.com/collections/hair-styling/products/gummy-styling-wax-150-ml-ultra-hold?variant=39906322251857

    Phillips - One Blade

    https://www.philips.co.uk/c-m-pe/oneblade-trim-edge-and-shave/oneblade-360-with-connectivity

    Tend Skin 

    https://tendskin.com/

    It Cosmetics - Bye, Bye Under Eye

    https://www.boots.com/it-cosmetics-bye-bye-under-eye-concealer-10267973

    Teddy The Perfumer - Banane Au Chocolat

    https://www.teddytheperfumer.com/products/banane-au-chocolat


    You can find Teddy on IG:

    https://www.instagram.com/teddy_haugen/

    On TikTok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@teddy.haugen

    Online at: 

    https://www.teddytheperfumer.com/


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    You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror


    You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

    https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/


    On TikTok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • You may remember a previous guest from season 7, the wonderful Adam Hurly, who is a journalist and the man behind the ‘Blue Print’ channel. He mentioned a U.S. grooming brand that I didn’t know called Brightside and then kindly connected us. Brightside have now launched in the UK and EU, so I took the opportunity to chat to co-founder Chris Hjerling about the inception and the ethos of the brand, the influence of his coastal location in San Diego, California and what’s next for Brightside (hint, it may include fragrance and more body products!ñ


    Chris was a fascinating guest, with real insight into the joys and the challenges of developing a brand from scratch. Along with his co-founder Landon, they have created men’s hair products that have been lauded by GQ (as well Adam Hurly!) and are all about elevating personal care and styling using clean, premium ingredients. The products are high performance, but low-maintenance - now that’s something we can all get behind…


    Chris mentioned the following products during our conversation:


    Acure - Facial Scrub

    https://acure.com/products/brightening-facial-scrub

    Wahl - Beard Trimmer

    https://www.wahl.co.uk/product-category/personal-care/mens-grooming/beard-trimmers-mens-grooming/

    Brightside - Hair products

    https://brightsidestyle.com/collections/all

    https://slickstyles.co.uk/product-category/brands/brightside/ (U.K stockist)

    Kiehls - Facial Cleanser

    https://www.spacenk.com/uk/skincare/cleansers/cleanser/ultra-facial-cleanser-MUK200003314.html

    Salt & Stone - Body Mist

    https://www.saltandstone.com/en-gb/products/body-mist?variant=45052090876154


    You can find Brightside on IG here:

    https://www.instagram.com/brightside.style


    Online at: 

    https://brightsidestyle.com/


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    You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror


    You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

    https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/


    On TikTok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit

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    Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music. 

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  • It was a real treat to talk to Thomas Dunckley this week on the podcast. He was one of the first accounts I followed when I got into fragrance and has an incredible ability to make his content accessible, relatable and fun. 


    Thomas is a hugely experienced and knowledgeable writer, blogger, speaker and podcaster. He used to write using the name ‘the candy perfume boy’ (changing the gender of the title of a Madonna song!) but now goes under the name ‘making scents make sense.’ This seems to neatly encapsulate his ethos - democratising fragrance and bringing it to life.


    Thomas’ new podcast will start in April 2025, also called ‘making scents make sense’ and it sounds like he has some great guests and topics lined up. 


    He mentioned the following products during our conversation:


    Pixie - Glow Tonic

    https://pixibeauty.co.uk/products/glow-tonic-250ml

    Pixie - Rose Ceramide Cream

    https://pixibeauty.co.uk/products/rose-ceramide-cream

    Chanel - Hydra Beauty Micro-Serum.

    https://www.chanel.com/gb/skincare/p/143180/hydra-beauty-micro-serum-intense-replenishing-hydration/

    Bedhead for Men - Shampoo/Conditioner

    https://escentual.com/products/tigi-bed-head-for-men-clean-up-shampoo-and-conditioner-tween-duo-2-x-750ml?variant=49266697896260

    Roger & Gallet - Fleur de Figuier

    https://escentual.com/products/roger-gallet-fleur-de-figuier-wellbeing-shower-gel?variant=49265921294660

    Bon Parfumeur - 403 Myrrh Shadow

    https://www.bonparfumeur.com/en-gb/products/403-timut-pepper-myrrh-benzoin


    You can find Thomas on IG here:

    https://www.instagram.com/makingscentsmakesense


    Online at: 

    https://www.thomasdunckley.com/


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    You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror


    You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

    https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/


    On TikTok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit

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    Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music. 

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This week I had the pleasure of talking to Rodrigo Nikaido who is co-owner and Global Growth Director at Mexican luxury interior fragrance brand Aromaria. 


    Aromaria recently opened their flagship European store on Regent Street in London and it’s a stunning expression of Mexican creativity and flair fused with an elegant, minimalist aesthetic. The brand is known for candles, room sprays and giant ‘perfume sticks’, which are available as 50cm (M) & 1.2m (XL) incense sticks in a variety of scents. All the fragrances are developed in Grasse, France and the products are crafted in Mexico. If you’re ever in Central London the Aromaria store is well worth a visit, you can even craft your own bespoke fragrance. 


    Rodrigo mentioned the following products during our conversation:


    Aromaria - Cabinet de Curiosities Incense Sticks 

    https://www.aromaria.co.uk/products/buddhas-apprentice-pure-perfume-stick-collection


    Aromaria - Fresh White Room Spray, Grapefruit Room Spray

    https://www.aromaria.co.uk/collections/room-sprays


    La Mer - Lip Balm

    https://www.spacenk.com/uk/skincare/lipcare/lip-balm/the-lip-balm-MUK200034795.html


    Rodrigo uses fragrances from - Amouage, Byredo, MFK, Orto Parisi - as well as fine fragrance that Aromaria is developing for release soon.


    You can find Aromaria on IG here:

    https://www.instagram.com/aromariamx


    Online at: 

    https://www.aromaria.co.uk/ (UK)

    https://aromaria.mx/ (Rest of the world) 


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    You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror


    You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

    https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/


    On TikTok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit

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    Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music. Special thanks to Bacchus Agency for arranging the interview.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • A very special episode this week with not one, but two hugely talented and in-demand perfumers. I am joined by (friend of the show!) Julien Rasquinet along with Paul Guerlain. 

    The two of them were at Harrods in London to discuss ‘Lustre’, a fragrance they co-created for the house of Amouage. ‘Lustre’ is one of a trio of fragrances that make up ‘The Essences’ and each one is double-infused and aged for 6 months. The other two fragrances in the new collection are ‘Reasons’ and ‘Outlands.’ They have all been created using a high concentration of 30% perfume oil, along with many other technical and aesthetic innovations that we discuss during our conversation. 


    We had chance to talk about ‘The Essences’, the opportunity to work with the prestigious Amouage, how they approached working as two perfumers on one fragrance and also (for Paul) what it means to be part of the Guerlain family.


    Paul mentioned the following products in his routine:

    Abeille Royale Day Cream - Guerlain

    https://www.guerlain.com/uk/en-uk/p/abeille-royale-day-cream-P061500.html

    Abeille Royale Night Cream - Guerlain 

    https://www.guerlain.com/uk/en-uk/p/abeille-royale-honey-treatment-night-cream-P061850.html


    Julien is a man of simple pleasures and uses bar soap and anti-dandruff shampoo!


    You can find Amouage on Instagram at:

    https://www.instagram.com/amouageofficial/?hl=en

    Online at: 

    https://amouage.com/en-uk/pages/the-amouage-essences

    ‘The Essences’ are available in the UK at Harrods:

    https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/p/amouage-lustre-essence-de-parfum-100ml-000000000007713693


    Julien is on Instagram at:

    https://www.instagram.com/julienrasquinet/?hl=en

    Paul is on Instagram at:

    https://www.instagram.com/paulguerlain/?hl=en


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    You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror


    You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

    https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/


    On TikTok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit

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    Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music. Special thanks to KGA for arranging the interview.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Welcome back! This is the first ‘Man in the Mirror’ of 2025, we’re in March so I’m WAY too late to say ‘Happy New Year’ to you, but I hope the year has got off to a great start. I’m delighted to be back with more new episodes, there’s some amazing guests to come this season…


    My guest in episode 1 is Stuart Williams-Philp, who describes himself as a ‘Liberty veteran and retail survivor!’ Stuart has been a sales specialist in the Ground Floor fragrance department at the world famous Liberty in London, UK for over 20 years. There can’t be many people who know the retail space, the trends and most importantly, what the customer wants better than Stuart. 


    I first ‘met’ Stuart via his Instagram channel @Stubieblessed. If you aren’t following him, you should do so immediately. It’s a (rare) positive, joyful and fun account where he talks about his love of interiors, design, beauty and of course fragrance. Oh - and he also has a ‘Monday moan’, so you can see what gets on his nerves each week! I subsequently met him IRL in the Liberty store and I can confirm he’s just as friendly and fabulous in the flesh! 


    Stuart mentioned the following products in his routine:


    Augustinus Bader - The Rich Cream

    https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/the-rich-cream-30ml-000725185.html#pos=2

    Aesop - Facial Cleanser

    https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/purifying-facial-cream-cleanser-100ml-304141.html#pos=34

    Sam McKnight - Shampoo

    https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/rich-cleanse-nourishing-shampoo--250ml-000783331.html#pos=11

    Ultra Violette - SPF50

    https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/brands/u/ultra-violette/

    Escentric Molecules - Molecule 01

    https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/brands/u/ultra-violette/?algq=escentric%20mol

    New Notes - Latte di Cherry

    https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/brands/n/new-notes/


    You can find Liberty on Instagram at:

    https://www.instagram.com/LibertyLondon/

    Online at: https://www.libertylondon.com/


    Stuart is on Instagram at:

    https://www.instagram.com/stubieblessed/

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    You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror


    You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

    https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/


    On TikTok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Surprise! A cheeky Christmas mini-pod episode with me/Santa recommending a few festive gifts in fragrance and grooming at various price points. Hopefully there’s something to suit your budget to either buy for someone (or to ask for yourself!)


    I’ll be back with a brand new season in January with lots of great guests. Have a great Christmas break, thanks for listening in 2024 and I look forward to your company in the new year.


    Brioni - Suave EDP - £76 (60ml) 

    https://www.debenhams.com/product/brioni-brioni-eau-de-parfum-suave_ydd17333?colour=misc

    Herlum - Hand & Body Duo - £56

    https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/p/herlum-hand-and-body-wash-and-lotion-duo-sandalwood-and-grapefruit-500ml/13950834/

    Arkive by Adam Reed - No One Elsie Scent for Hair & Body - £30

    https://arkivehea£dcare.com/products/no-one-elsie

    Roger & Gallet - Cologne Twist Eau de Cologne - £34.96

    https://escentual.com/products/roger-gallet-twist-eau-de-cologne-spray-100ml?variant=49266671419716

    AKT - Deodorant Balm - £21

    https://www.aktlondon.com/

    Acqua di Parma - Caminetto Candle 200g - £63.75

    https://www.johnlewis.com/acqua-di-parma-caminetto-scented-candle-200g/p112520183

    Murdock London - Quince & Oakmoss Shampoo/Conditioner Gift Set - £35.70

    https://www.murdocklondon.com/products/quince-oakmoss-shampoo-conditioner


    (Please note - some of the above items were gifted to me, with no obligation to post or review. Some of them I bought myself.) 


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    You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror


    You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

    https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/


    On TikTok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit


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    Special thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • My guest on the show this week is Sebastien Tissot, the founder of Nissaba, a Swiss fragrance brand that arrived in Selfridges here in the UK earlier this year. Each of the fragrances combines natural ingredients from a single origin and showcases that area or region in olfactory form. The range is absolutely stunning and my personal favourite is a beautiful example of a patchouli fragrance called ‘Sulawesi’. If you get chance to sample Nissaba near you, I really recommend you do so!


    I had a fascinating conversation with Sebastien, whose previous role was Head of Sustainable Sourcing at one of the world’s largest fragrance manufacturers, DSM Firmenich, so he has a wealth of experience around materials and ingredients. When he started Nissaba he wanted it to be about doing good as well as smelling good. To that end, the company invests 5% of its turnover in supporting young people in communities of perfume plant growers, enabling them to put in place practices that are resilient to climate change and can adapt to local conditions. They fund young farmers and vocational schools in communities where they source ingredients and they aim to be a ‘positive-impact brand.’


    This also extends to the products themselves - Nissaba fragrances are designed according to the principles of circularity and essentiality. All components are either recyclable or reusable, and the quantity of raw materials used is minimal, to keep the overall carbon footprint to a minimum. Bio-sourced, recycled, and/or certified materials have been chosen wherever possible.


    Sebastien mentioned using hand cream, (natural) menthol toothpaste and Déclaration by Cartier in his daily routines. 


    Nissaba is available in the UK in Selfridges

    https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/nissaba/


    Brand website:

    https://nissaba.com/


    Also on Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/nissaba.fragrances/


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    You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror


    You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

    https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/


    On TikTok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit


    ————————————————————————————————

    Special thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • My guest on the show this week is James Read, founder of sunless tanning range ‘Self Glow by James Read.’ James started his career in retail, then went on to become one of the UK’s top tanning artists, working with celebrities, models and customers who wanted a healthy glow, applied using the best products.


    This lead to James creating his own brand using all the experience he amassed during his career. ‘Self Glow by James Read’ has a ’skincare-first’ philosophy and combines natural cacao with high-performance active and fermented ingredients. The formulas work with all skin tones and skin types. As we discussed during our conversation, I was a self-tan novice, but I started using James’ ‘Sunblush’ tan mist once a week - and it’s SO easy to apply, literally a few sprays on my face and I’m done. No lines, no weird smell, so I’m a convert :)


    https://www.jamesreadglow.com/products/sunblush-hydrating-tan-mist-100ml


    Self Glow is available in the UK in - Space NK, Liberty, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Lookfantastic and via the James Read ‘Self Glow’ website.


    https://www.jamesreadglow.com/


    James mentioned the following brands/products from his routine:

    Medik8 - Vit C SPF, Hyaluronic Acid, Cleanser

    https://www.medik8.com/

    La Prairie - https://www.spacenk.com/uk/brands/l/la-prairie

    REN - https://www.renskincare.co.uk/

    Fragrances from - Diptyque, Byredo, Floral Street


    You can find Self Glow by James Read on the web:

    https://www.jamesreadglow.com/


    Also on Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/jamesreadtan/


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    You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror


    You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

    https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/


    On TikTok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit


    ————————————————————————————————

    Special thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • My guest on the show this week is Forat Al Haider, who is Creative Director of Ghawali, a fragrance brand from the UAE. Ghawali combines the art of Middle Eastern perfumery with a modern, niche touch, crafting unique, long-lasting fragrances that evoke a sense of elegance and sophistication. It is part of the Chalhoub Group, which is a family owned luxury goods retailer and distributor and is the largest retail operator in the Middle East. 


    I met Forat a couple of months ago in London when he was introducing people to the brand here at Selfridges. I really enjoyed his company and fell hard for some of the Ghawali fragrances, particularly ‘4 Walls’, which has become a regular wear for me. It seems to me Ghawali represents a really interesting intersection of the Middle Eastern and European-styles of perfumery - and this is probably no surprise at Forat grew up in Sweden, was born in Iraq and now lives in Dubai! 


    I hope you enjoy our conversation - and a special thank you to Forat for making time to do this from his office in Dubai.


    Forat mentioned the following brands/products from his routine:

    The Ordinary - Skin care

    https://theordinary.com/en-gb

    The Inkey List - Skin care

    https://uk.theinkeylist.com/

    Kevin Murphy - Hair Care & ‘Doo.over Hair Powder’

    https://www.kevinmurphystore.com/kevin-murphy-doo-over/

    K18 - Hair care

    https://www.k18hair.co.uk/

    Ghawali Fragrances 


    You can find Ghawali on the web:

    https://ae.ghawali.com/


    Available in Selfridges:

    https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/ghawali/


    Ghawali on Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/ghawaliofficial/


    The Chalhoub Group:

    https://www.chalhoubgroup.com/en

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    You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror


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    https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/


    On TikTok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit


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    Special thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This week my guest is one of UK’s top hairdressers, Adam Reed. Adam has been nominated for Hairdresser of the Year multiple times, he has worked with superstars such as Madonna and One Direction as well as the great and good in fashion and editorial over the last 30 + years. He is also a brand ambassador for ghd and L’Oréal Professional. 


    Adam has just launched 4 perfumes for hair & skin that are part of his 'Arkive Makes Scents' range. He is a huge fragrance fan and, in fact, has a ‘fragrance library’ as part of his Arkive by Adam Reed salon in Covent Garden, London. I’ve never met anyone that has such an encyclopaedic knowledge of products and brands and his list of favourites from his daily routines is probably the most extensive ever!


    We also spoke about Adam’s neurodiversity (he was diagnosed as having ADHD fairly recently) as well as the struggles he’s had with his mental health in the past. This episode was recorded in early November 2024 in Adam’s Arkive salon in London. I really appreciated how open and candid Adam was and I hope you take something from the conversation we had.


    Adam mentioned too many products for me to link them all here, so due to word count restrictions it’s probably better that I just list them:


    Marvis - Liquorice Toothpaste

    Fenjal, Vaseline Intensive Care & AKT - Deodorants

    Estée Lauder - Advanced Night Repair

    Imperial Leather - Hand Soap

    Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons - Gel Cleanser

    Kiehls - Facial Fuel range, Beard Oil

    Badedas - Bath Gel

    Diptyque - Tuberose Candle, Tam Dao Fragrance

    Mason Pearson - Hairbrush

    Charlotte Tilbury - Magic Cream

    This Works - Sleep Oil

    Santa Maria Novella - Jojoba Oil

    Reome - Active Recovery Broth

    YSL - Nu Concealer

    Haeckels - Various products

    Gloved by Tom Daxon - Hand Soaps

    Boots - Eye Mist


    You can find Arkive Hair & Skin Fragrances here:

    https://arkiveheadcare.com/collections/fragrances

    The Arkive hair products are here:

    https://arkiveheadcare.com/


    Arkive on Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/arkivebyadamreed/

    Adam’s personal Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/adamreedhair/


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    You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror


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    https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/


    On TikTok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit


    ————————————————————————————————

    Special thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This week my guest is Jun Lim, Creative Director and Founder of South Korean fragrance brand BORN TO STAND OUT. I met Jun a couple of months ago at Jovoy in London. He was introducing the brand to some of the UK media and I was struck by his singular vision and his mission to do things differently. It’s fair to say that South Korea is well known for skincare, but less so for niche fragrance brands. In just over 2 years BORN TO STAND OUT has made real waves, both in Jun’s home market and around the world. 


    There are over 20 fragrances in the range, all in a bold (of course!) red and white bottle. There is an emphasis on gourmand notes, musks and ‘pleasures of the flesh’. Popular perfumes include Dirty Rice, Drunk Saffron, Fig Porn and Filthy Musk. See what I mean? This is not your typical brand, both in terms of the names, the aesthetic and the juice inside. 


    Jun has created BORN TO STAND OUT in his own vision. The products are inspired by HIS dreams, memories and experiences. It was a real honour to spend time with him and fascinating to get a different perspective away from the prevailing (and my own!) Euro-centric views.


    Some of the products Jun mentioned were:

    Vaseline

    https://www.boots.com/vaseline-original-petrolium-jelly-50ml-10226343

    Baby S.O.S Creme

    https://www.ohfeliz.co.uk/penaten-baby/little-helpers-sos-cream-with-dexpanthenol

    Alpecin Shampoo

    https://www.boots.com/alpecin-caffeine-shampoo-250ml-10081360

    BORN TO STAND OUT Fragrances


    You can find Born To Stand Out on the web at:

    https://borntostandout.com/


    BTSO on Instagram at:

    https://www.instagram.com/borntostandout.official/

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    You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror


    You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

    https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/


    On TikTok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit


    ————————————————————————————————

    Special thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Thanks for joining me for the third episode in the new series (8.) This week I'm building on a wonderful conversation I had over lunch at a Creed launch last month with model and content creator Ben James. We happened to be seated next to each other and I found him to be so engaging and illuminating I thought I had to ask him to come on the podcast! 


    Ben is a ‘plus size’/‘big & tall’ model, which he explains in more depth in our chat. He is 6’ 6 and has a 42” chest, so is not traditional ’sample size’. He models for brands such as Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Jacamo as well as cultivating a huge following (275K) on TikTok for his outfit advice and content about watches. Ben is also a photographer who has shot campaigns for brands here in the UK and U.S. 


    Whilst Ben is now at a stage where he’s using his height as a positive force in his career, he was over 6 ft as a young teenager. Standing out - and the adverse attention that attracted when you’re so young had a real impact on his weight and his mental health, which he says more about during our conversation. Ben was a really frank, honest and articulate guest who made me re-evaluate my attitude to height and stature - and made me realise it can be a more complex and nuanced thing to deal with, especially as a young man.


    Some of the products Ben mentioned were:

    Cerave - Cleanser 

    https://www.boots.com/cerave-foaming-cleanser-236ml-10246702#BVRRContainer

    Heath - Eye Serum

    https://www.heathlondon.co.uk/collections/face/products/eye-serum

    Fjor - Hydrolytic Moisturiser

    https://www.fjor.life/products/hydrolytic-moisturizer

    SPF, Sea Salt Spray and Jade Roller/Gua Sha 


    Penhaligons Helfeti 

    https://www.penhaligons.com/uk/en/product/halfeti-000000000065188931

    Christian Dior - Oud Rosewood

    https://www.dior.com/en_gb/beauty/products/oud-rosewood-Y0996414.html

    Molton Brown - Clementine & Vetiver

    https://www.moltonbrown.co.uk/store/fragrance/citrus-fragrances/sunlit-clementine-vetiver-eau-de-parfum-100ml/NMR342


    Ben is on TikTok at

    https://www.tiktok.com/@ben_jjames

    And on Instagram at:

    https://www.instagram.com/ben_jjames

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    You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror

    You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/

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  • Hi and thanks for checking out episode 2 of the new series. This one is a very freewheeling conversation that took place on a narrow boat (the ‘Disco Volante’) near King’s Cross, London


    The Disco Volante is a floating lab and the spiritual home of new fragrance brand Vallense. I sat down with founder Will Borrell and discussed the brand, the debut collection, Will’s background, why he moved into perfume - and everything in between! I really hope you enjoy our chat, I found Will to be brilliant company - fascinating, funny, charming and a real zest for life. Thanks for inviting me on board, Will!


    Some of the products Will mentioned were:

    Dermalogica - Micro-scrub Foliant

    https://www.spacenk.com/uk/skincare/cleansers/scrubs-exfoliants/daily-microfoliant-MUK200030223.html

    The Ordinary - Niacinamide

    https://theordinary.com/en-gb/niacinamide-10-zinc-1-serum-100436.html

    Dr David Jack - All Day Long Moisturiser 

    https://drdavidjack.com/collections/moisturisers-spfs/products/all-day-long

    No. 7 - Energising Moisturiser

    https://www.boots.com/no7-men-energising-moisturiser-50ml-10334936


    Vallense fragrances can be found at:

    https://vallensefragrances.com/

    On Instagram Vallense is at:

    https://www.instagram.com/vallensefragrance/


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    You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror


    You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

    https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/


    On TikTok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit


    ————————————————————————————————

    Special thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • It’s the first episode of season 8, so ‘welcome back’ if you’re a regular listener and ‘hello’ if this is your first time!


    I recorded this episode in late August at Harrods, the world famous department store in London. I had the opportunity to host an event there with one of my favourite brands, Jusbox and to introduce their new fragrance ’54’ to press and to customers. The creative team who worked on the launch joined me on stage and so it seemed like the perfect chance to record this podcast while we were all together. ‘’54’ is a collaboration between Jusbox, perfumer Julien Rasquinet and U.S. content creator and YouTuber Sebastian Jara, a.k.a ‘The Perfume Guy.’ So I sat down with the trio of Andrea Valdo (Jusbox co-founder, an old friend of the podcast and previous guest!) Julien and Sebastian and talked about ’54’, how they worked together, the inspirations and how it all came about. If you were there at Harrods you’ll know that the event also featured Chiara Valdo, Andrea’s sister and fellow Jusbox Co-founder. She is a massive part of the ’54’ story. 


    As always on the podcast I like to chat to the guests about the products they love in their morning and evening routines. Admittedly, there wasn’t time to make it a massive part of this particular episode, however these are the products mentioned.


    Reuzel - Strong Hold Pomade (Sebastian’s choice) 

    https://reuzel.uk/collections/pomade/products/blue-pomade-strong-hold-high-shine

    Ligne St Barth - Facial Fluid (Andrea’s choice) 

    https://www.parfumdreams.co.uk/LIGNE-ST-BARTH/Care/HOMME/Moisturising-facial-fluid-Homme/index_39740.aspx?variation=53152

    Lightly scented soap and anti-dandruff shampoo (Julien’s choice) 


    Jusbox can be found at:

    https://www.jusboxperfumes.com/

    On Instagram Jusbox is:

    https://www.instagram.com/jusboxperfumes/

    Julien is at:

    https://www.instagram.com/julienrasquinet/

    Sebastian is on IG and YouTube as follows:

    https://www.instagram.com/theperfumeguy/

    https://www.youtube.com/@ThePerfumeGuy


    ’54’ from Jusbox is out now and can be found in the UK at:

    https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/shopping/jusbox-fifty-four-eau-de-parfum-78ml-24190525


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    You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror


    You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

    https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/


    On TikTok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • It’s the final episode of season 7 and I’m ending with a guest I’ve wanted to get on the podcast for a long while. Adam Hurly is an American journalist (now based in Portugal) who writes about grooming, fragrance and lifestyle. As a grooming writer you will have seen Adan’s bylines in GQ, Robb Report, Forbes, to name but a few. He’s about to embark on his own brand new project called ‘Blue Print’, which is going to be a content hub and community for all things grooming and will launch in the autumn/fall this year (2024.) You can sign up for more info now at the following address:

    www.grooming.tips


    It was a real pleasure to connect with Adam again after our meeting in London. I’m a big fan of his work, I’m in awe of his knowledge and writing style, but more than any of that he’s such a warm, positive ‘radiator’ person who has been so generous with his time and expertise. There’s no one better to discuss products and routines with, so here’s his current edit (it will have changed next week, for sure!) 


    Cardon - Clay Cleanser 

    https://cardonskin.com/products/purifying-clay-cleanser

    Cardon - Daily SPF + Moisturiser

    https://cardonskin.com/products/cardon-daily-spf2

    Horace - Hydrating Serum

    https://horace.com/en/product/hyaluronic-acid-panthenol-serum

    Ursa Major - Force Field SPF

    https://www.alyaka.com/products/ursa-major-force-field-spf-30-50ml

    Davines - Love Smoothing shampoo, conditioner

    https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/c/brands/davines/

    Tretinoin - available on prescription, so seek medical advice on this.


    Le Labo - Cedrat 37 and Thé Matcha 26

    https://www.lelabofragrances.com/fine-fragrances-2.html

    Bianco Profumo - Neroli Pomodoro

    https://biancoprofumo.com/products/neroli-pomodoro


    On Instagram Adam is at:

    https://www.instagram.com/adamhurly


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    You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror


    You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG:

    https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/


    On TikTok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit


    ————————————————————————————————

    Special thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • My guest this week is Nick Buckley, the Co-founder and Commercial Director at fragrance & beauty distribution company, Phoenix Beauty.


    Sales & distribution is a key part of the industry and a company like Phoenix Beauty acts as the bridge between the brands, the retailers and us as the end-consumers. Much of the work goes on behind the scenes, but it was fascinating to spend some time with Nick where he shed light on how some of the process works - the retail exclusive products, working with ‘celebrity’ brands, the cost of doing business and the current market trends.


    Phoenix Beauty distribute a wide range of brands from the designer fragrances (Banana Republic, Steve Madden) celebrity fragrances/beauty (Eilish, by Billie Eilish, Florence by Mills) and niche brands (including bdk, Goldfield & Banks, Les Eaux Primordiales, Jusbox etc) Many of the brands and the founders have featured on the podcast over the years, so it’s definitely worth going back and revisiting some of those episodes!


    In the episode Nick mentioned the following products in his routine:

    Temple Spa - Cleanser, Truffle Moisturiser, Eye Cream

    https://www.templespa.com/shop

    Almora Botanica - Cleanser

    https://almorabotanica.com/collections/cleanser


    Bdk - Gris Charnel Extrait

    https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/shopping/bdk-parfums-gris-charnel-extrait-de-parfum-100ml-18178727

    Les Eaux Primordiales - Ambre Superfluide

    https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/shopping/les-eaux-primordiales-ambre-supermassive-perfume-extrait-50ml-24219840

    Goldfield & Banks - Bohemian Lime

    https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/product/goldfield-banks-bohemian-lime-perfume-concentrate-100ml_R03649248/

    Jusbox - Cheeky Smile

    https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/product/jusbox-cheeky-smile-eau-de-parfum-78ml_496-3004815-6711E101/

    NOYZ - Monochrome

    https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/shopping/noyz-x-damon-baker-monochrome-parfum-50ml-23921760

    Ojar - Wood Whisper

    https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/shopping/ojar-wood-whisper-eau-de-parfum-100ml-19164596


    You can find out more about Phoenix Beauty here:

    https://www.phoenixbeauty.co.uk/


    On Instagram at:

    https://www.instagram.com/phoenixbeautyltd/


    You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror

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  • Thanks for joining me for the ‘Man in the Mirror’ podcast. My guest this week Arnaud Poulain, the Founder and Artistic Director of French fragrance brand Les Eaux Primordiales. I recently spent the morning with Arnaud, firstly listening to him being interviewed by my journalist friend Suzy Nightingale at Harrods and then the two of us got to spend some time recording this week’s episode at a nearby hotel.


    Arnaud was in London to talk about the new Harrods exclusive fragrance ‘Ambre Supermassive’, which he has created alongside his longtime perfumer, teacher and friend Amelie Bourgeois. Arnaud is unusual in that he is a trained perfumer, as well as the brand founder. He came to perfumery in his early twenties after studying engineering and embraced the new career with a real energy and fervour. He’s achieved a huge amount in that short time, working first for Byredo and then eventually setting up his own brand in 2015.


    Les Eaux Primordiales is the sum of all his education and experience. There’s elements of his engineering background, his love of architecture, his need to make things with his hands and of course his desire ’to dream’. All of this is located in the brand’s own ‘domaine’, and chateau in Northern France. It’s an atelier where everything to do with Les Eaux Primordiales happens - the creation, bottling, the carpentry, the point of sale and metalwork.


    In the episode Arnaud mentioned the following products:


    Clarins - Cleanser face wash

    https://www.clarins.co.uk/clarinsmen-active-face-wash/80085184.html

    Clarins - Double serum

    https://www.clarins.co.uk/double-serum/80025862.html

    Les Eaux Primordiales - Washing Chantilly (Body Wash) 

    https://www.leseauxprimordiales.com/collections/soin-primordial/products/chantilly-lavante-250ml

    Les Eaux Primordiales - Hand Wash

    https://www.leseauxprimordiales.com/collections/soin-primordial/products/gel-mains-exfoliant-400ml

    American Crew Wax- https://www.johnlewis.com/american-crew-fiber-85g/p110198890

    American Crew Fiber Cream 

     https://www.johnlewis.com/american-crew-fiber-cream-100ml/p3316794

    Chanel No. 5 - EDP

    https://www.chanel.com/gb/fragrance/p/125430/n5-eau-de-parfum-spray/


    You can find the whole Les Eaux Primordiales product range online at:

    https://www.leseauxprimordiales.com/


    On Instagram at:

    https://www.instagram.com/leseauxprimordiales/

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    You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror

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